7 NOVEMBER 2014

SC/11636

On 7 November 2014, the Security Council’s 2140 Sanctions Committee designated three individuals as subject to the assets freeze and travel ban measures outlined, respectively, in paragraphs 11 and 15 of Security Council resolution 2140 (2014), adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations.

The Committee stresses the need for robust implementation of the Sanctions as an important tool in achieving a peaceful, inclusive, orderly and Yemeni-led political transition process.

As a result of the new listings, the Committee reminds Member States of their obligations under resolution 2140 (2014) to ensure that any funds, financial assets or economic resources are prevented from being made available by their nationals or by any individuals or entities within their territories, to or for the benefit of the individuals designated by the Committee; and their obligation to take the necessary measures to prevent the entry into or transit through their territories of the individuals designated by the Committee.

Date on which narrative summary became available on the Committee’s website: 7 November 2014

Abd al-Khaliq al-Huthi was designated for sanctions on 7 November 2014 pursuant to paragraphs 11 and 15 of resolution 2140 (2014), as meeting the designation criteria set out in paragraphs 17 and 18 of the resolution.

Additional information

Abd al-Khaliq al-Huthi has engaged in acts that threaten the peace, security, or stability of Yemen, such as acts that obstruct the implementation of the agreement of 23 November 2011 between the Government of Yemen and those in opposition to it, which provides for a peaceful transition of power in Yemen, and acts that obstruct the political process in Yemen.

In late October 2013, Abd al-Khaliq al-Huthi led a group of fighters dressed in Yemeni military uniforms in an attack on locations in Dimaj, Yemen. The ensuing fighting resulted in multiple deaths.

In late September 2014, an unknown number of unidentified fighters allegedly were prepared to attack diplomatic facilities in Sana’a, Yemen, upon receiving orders from the Abd al-Khaliq al-Huthi. On 30 August 2014, al-Huthi coordinated to move weapons from Amran to a protest camp in Sana’a.

Date on which narrative summary became available on the Committee’s website: 7 November 2014

Abdullah Yahya al Hakim was designated for sanctions on 7 November 2014 pursuant to paragraphs 11 and 15 of resolution 2140 (2014), as meeting the designation criteria set out in paragraphs 17 and 18 of the resolution.

Additional information

Abdullah Yahya al Hakim has engaged in acts that threaten the peace, security, or stability of Yemen, such as acts that obstruct the implementation of the agreement of 23 November 2011, between the Government of Yemen and those in opposition to it, which provides for a peaceful transition of power in Yemen, and that obstruct the political process in Yemen.

In June 2014, Abdullah Yahya al Hakim reportedly held a meeting in order to plot a coup against Yemeni President Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi. Al Hakim met with military and security commanders, and tribal chieftains; leading partisan figures loyal to former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh also attended the meeting, which aimed to coordinate military efforts to take over Sana’a, Yemen’s capital.

In a 29 August 2014 public statement, the President of the United Nations Security Council stated that the Council condemned the actions of forces commanded by Abdullah Yahya al Hakim who overran Amran, Yemen, including the Yemeni Army Brigade headquarters on 8 July 2014. Al Hakim led the July 2014 violent takeover of the Amran Governorate and was the military commander responsible for making decisions regarding ongoing conflicts in the Amran Governorate and Hamdan, Yemen.

As of early September 2014, Abdullah Yahya al Hakim remained in Sana’a to oversee combat operations in case fighting began. His role was to organize military operations so as to be able to topple the Yemeni Government, and he was also responsible for securing and controlling all routes in and out of Sana’a.

Date on which narrative summary became available on the Committee’s website: 7 November 2014

Ali Abdullah Saleh was designated for sanctions on 7 November 2014 pursuant to paragraphs 11 and 15 of resolution 2140 (2014), as meeting the designation criteria set out in paragraphs 17 and 18 of the resolution.

Additional information

Ali Abdullah Saleh has engaged in acts that threaten the peace, security, or stability of Yemen, such as acts that obstruct the implementation of the agreement of 23 November 2011 between the Government of Yemen and those in opposition to it, which provides for a peaceful transition of power in Yemen, and acts that obstruct the political process in Yemen.

Per the 23 November 2011 agreement backed by the Gulf Cooperation Council, Ali Abdullah Saleh stepped down as President of Yemen after more than 30 years.

As of fall 2012, Ali Abdullah Saleh had reportedly become one of the primary supporters of violent Huthi actions in northern Yemen.

More recently, as of September 2014, Saleh has been destabilizing Yemen by using others to undermine the central government and create enough instability to threaten a coup. According to a September 2014 report by the United Nations Panel of Experts for Yemen, interlocutors alleged that Saleh supports violent actions of some Yemenis by providing them funds and political support, as well as ensuring that GPC members continue to contribute to the destabilization of Yemen through various means.

The September 2014 United Nations Panel of Experts report on Yemen also states that allegations have been made that Ali Abdullah Saleh has been using Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) operatives to conduct assassinations and attacks against military installations in order to weaken President Hadi and create discontent within the army and broader Yemeni population. Clashes in the south of Yemen in February 2013 were a result of the combined efforts of Saleh, AQAP, and southern secessionist Ali Salim al-Bayd to cause trouble before the 18 March 2013 National Dialogue Conference in Yemen.

The Committee’s sanctions list is available on its website at the following URL:http://www.un.org/sc/committees/2140/. The Committee will update regularly its list when it has agreed to include or delete relevant information in accordance with the procedures set out in its Guidelines.